*Real years: Time which The Black Sage goes through, with the effects of time-travelling removed.

Once upon a time, there lived a very powerful being called The Black Sage. No one knew about his past, but everyone knew he possessed enough power to destroy worlds, for he controlled time, space and life. However, with such power came an equally terrifying curse. For 999 real years*, he will be unable to meet his lover. In the 1000th real year, if he fails to keep her by his side, he would have to wait for a new cycle of 999 real years once again.

Beginning of Year 2199, where magic existed in the world.

Preparation for a very important celebration was ongoing in Psara. Princess Tomoyo, third-in-line to the throne, would soon be marrying Prince Glace from the neighbouring country Glines.

"Princess, your supper is ready." There was a knock on the wooden door.

"Come in."

Maria opened the door to reveal an ebony-haired girl lying in bed, reading. She sighed, the princess always seemed to grow more beautiful each time she sees her.

Tomoyo looked up from her book and smiled, "Good morning, Maria."

Maria blushed, "G-good morning, Princess Tomoyo." The princess had too charming a smile.

Tomoyo gestured towards the table beside the bed, "You may just leave it here, I'll have it later when I finish reading this novel."

Maria nodded, and stepped into the room, "What kind of novel is it this time, Princess?"

"It's about a girl who possesses tremendous magic power. She is a cardcaptor, and she falls in love with her rival. They go through so much adventure you won't believe it, Maria..." At the mention of 'novel', Tomoyo's eyes sparkled and she rambled on with so much passion and yearning in her voice that Maria felt almost too painful to continue listening.

She forced herself to smile, "I see, Princess. It must be a really nice novel."

Tomoyo's eyes softened, "Yes, it really is."

Upon leaving the room, Maria teared. It pained her to see a beautiful and free spirit such as Princess Tomoyo's to be locked up in this cold tower. Not only that, she thought bitterly, but also to be locked up forever. Being Princess Tomoyo's most trusted servant, she had had the chance to see for herself how Prince Glace was like. And it wasn't a pretty sight.

"Oh my, Princess Tomoyo! You truly are beautiful," a deep but sinister voice had said, almost lustfully. It came from a young man who had yellow hair and cold blue eyes.

"Thank you, Prince Glace." Tomoyo bowed with graceful ease.

"Prince Glace, I am honoured that you like my daughter so much." Tomoyo's mother said smile. Deep in her heart though, she absolutely abhorred this man before her.

"Yes yes, whatever. The marriage shall be in a month's time. Before our wedding day, I should like her to be locked up in a chastity tower." He said, whilst shoving a gold ring up Tomoyo's ring finger, "Oh, do not take this off, my darling."

"Chastity tower...?"

A look of irritation flashed across Prince Glace's face, "Yes yes, have you never heard of that? Such a poorly informed and misguided country! In order for the bride to remain pure and fresh for the wedding day, she has to be locked up in a tower for a month. During that time, she must meet up with no guy. You two understand?"

Queen Sonomi clenched her fists in anger. How DARE this chauvinist imbecile-

Tomoyo stepped forward and held her mother's hand reassuringly. Then she turned towards Prince Glace and curtseyed, "As you wish, Prince Glace."

Prince Glace sneered, " I see that there is finally one person in this barbaric country that understands a woman's role is to obey males with no questions asked. I guess this is what you get for letting a woman rule a country."

Maria shook her head. If not to save the country, Queen Sonomi would never allow Princess Tomoyo to marry such a pig.

Tomoyo bookmarked the page and stepped out of bed, leaving the book by her bedside. She sat down in front of her table and slowly ate the supper that Maria had left when she came. Tomoyo's ring reflected the light from the candle. A few teardrops fell from her face, but she immediately wiped it off. No, Tomoyo thought, I must be strong, if not for my country, for my mother!

Upon finishing her supper, she rang a bell by her bed and a maid came in to clear it up. Tomoyo stared out of the window, and she realised that tonight was a new moon. Which means, exactly half a month has passed, another half...and he will come.

She looked down, and barely saw the ground outside the tower. Sighing, she blew out the candle on the table and went to bed.

Unknown to her though, a mage in black cloth had been below the tower staring at her. He smiled, his eyes passionate and almost luminescent, "Finally, I have found you. Tomoyo."

Tomoyo woke up with a start. Someone was in her room. She could feel his aura: this person was powerful. Very powerful.

"Who's there? Show yourself." Her voice took on a regal and authoritative tone.

No one answered, but almost immediately, Tomoyo felt her left hand grabbed by someone. She was about to call for help, when she caught sight of a pair of midnight-blue eyes. \Tomoyo./

Tomoyo was startled. He could use telekinesis. "Who are you exactly?" Tomoyo continued to question the mysterious presence in front of her.

\ I am not able to tell you at the moment. But, I mean you no harm./

There was a knock on the door, "Princess, is everything alright?"

Tomoyo turned to the door and called out, "Everything is fine! It was just a nightmare I had."

When she turned around, he had disappeared.

The next night, Tomoyo left the candle in her room lit. She was determined to find out who this person was. He will come again, she thought. Nestling herself in bed, she waited. And waited. And waited. By the time the clock ticked 1 am, Tomoyo was so tired that she was on the verge of falling asleep. Then, the wind blew the candle out. The window was open.

Someone came up to her. Tomoyo knew it must be that person from last night, but she had no energy left to open her eyes. He slipped beside her and gathered her in his arms. Though she shifted slightly at first, for some strange reason, she knew that he, indeed, meant her no harm. Comfortably, she fell asleep.

The black-robed mage smiled, seeing Tomoyo sleeping contentedly.

"Sleep well, my Princess."

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